State Visit from Belgium to Denmark: March 28-30, 2017


If you have answers, please help by responding to the unanswered posts.
See posts with no answers
Hannelore said:
Frederik & Mathilde have been chatting and giggeling all through this line-up.

Mathilde's Lady-in-waiting... No proper dress, a jacket and a large Longchamp Pliage bag *SIGH*

Actually in the whole, the Danish guests look stylish and the Belgian ladies from the entourage, the CEOs... they look like they have no idea what gala means and they shake hands like farmers at the market. Dear God.
Click to expand...
I share your pain. ;) And Patricia Vlerick is a baroness married to a millionaire. Go figure.

Also kudos to Philippe and Mathilde. I guess they already know that Delphine Boel lost her lawsuit and Albert won’t be considered as his legal daughter. Lots of bad PR getting in their way again but they are handling it very gracious. If I were them I would consider giving an off the record comment to the Belgian journalists who accompany them saying they are sorry for Delphine and hope she will find peace again or something along these lines.
 
Last edited:
I hope somewhere in the future pictures of Philippe & Mathilde at a private event with Delphine get "leaked" to the press. It would all do them a lot of good...
 
Video of the Crown Prince Couple arriving:

https://media.scribblelive.com/2017/3/28/7f24fc0b-7ee4-4792-a99b-9a4ad5f24974.mp4

On Danish social media people comments a lot on how smiling Mary & Frederik always are.

*
Haven't have time to follow the visit today, so nice to come here and be updated.

It is perhaps no coincidence that Crown Princess Mary tonight carries the jewelery that she has received from Queen Ingrid - as I know it's Queen Ingrid's birthday today ❤❤
 
Last edited by a moderator:
polyesco said:
King Philippe expresses condolences in toast to Benedikte, sister of Queen Margrethe. Who recently lost her husband Richard (82).
https://twitter.com/WDehandschutter/status/846791506669260801

King Philippe honors at state banquet Margrethe of Denmark: "queen with rich experience (...) and unmistakable artistic talent."
https://twitter.com/WDehandschutter/status/846791875835105282
Click to expand...

Yes, Benedikte, who is usually always attending gala dinners, has opted to excuse herself this time. - And very understandably so.
 
Mara, I sow Queen Mathilde wearing an unknown Brooch , but she had two necklaces to wear the Wolfers and her Wedding tiara.

Our Monarchs were never involved in the Delphine Affair, why should they speak to the Press about that during a State Visit.?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Good coverage on TV2. They look back at the day's events and back to when Philippe become king in 2013.
 
I thought Queen Mathilde wore her diadem exceptionelly well. It is excellently placed on a flat hairdo, all diadems have the chance to sparkle. For me Queen Mathilde stood out, because of her gracieuse appearance and dignified attitude.

Too bad that we have not seen Queen Fabiola's aquamarines. They would have gone nicely with the lightblue sash. Maybe next time in Sweden, where the highest Order has a lightblue sash too.
 
Last edited:
One of the commentators on TV2 is a dress-designer, who points out (and also to his clients) that to such an event it's a good idea not to have a deep cleavage. - Because QMII usually sit down, so when they curtsy to her QMII may justifiably fear the whole thing spilling out and landing in her lap... :D
There were however a few guests who had not heard that piece of advise I understand.
 
Last edited:
Hannelore said:
Frederik & Mathilde have been chatting and giggeling all through this line-up.

Mathilde's Lady-in-waiting... No proper dress, a jacket and a large Longchamp Pliage bag *SIGH*

Actually in the whole, the Danish guests look stylish and the Belgian ladies from the entourage, the CEOs... they look like they have no idea what gala means and they shake hands like farmers at the market. Dear God.
Click to expand...

This has always baffled me because we, Dutch, always believe that Belgian ladies and gentlemen have more feel for style and decorum. But when I see politicians making an oath before the King, they often have not dressed up (in NL gentlemen wear jacquet for such ceremonials). When there are military ceremonies I see ladies "just" in daily frocks (in NL hats are recommended). At State Banquets in Brussels and in Laeken I have seen the highest citizen (the Chairman of the Chambre des Representatives, back then M André Flahaut) just in a brown suit with red tie. The Premier (back then M Elio di Rupo) in black tie and other guests in white tie, as if they haven't the faintest idea.

When you see Dutch ministers, members of the Council of State, Mayors, Governors, etc. at a State Banquet: all in white tie. Period. The same in Sweden, Denmark, Norway by the way. Maybe the "Southern" monarchies have a more laissez-faire, laissez-passer attitude towards protocol? Remember Philippe and Felipe's Investitures. No any dresscode. Not even jacquet for ministers or hats for ladies. Most surprising because in general I find Belgians well-dressed people.
 
Last edited:
The to this today extremely popular cartoon figure TinTin/Tintin got an honorable mentioning in her speech, along with a little anecdote about Herge and how he may have been inspired to create the looks of TinTin.

The speech is in English. Although QMII naturally pronounced TinTin in French, rather that the Danish pronunciation, which sounds exactly how you pronounce the metal tin in English.
And TinTin's dog was also in French, Milou. In DK the critter is known as Terry.

A nice photo of the Belgian RC with our PM, Lars Løkke earlier today: https://bdk.bmcdn.dk/media/cache/re...belgisk-statsbesg-mde-med-statsministeren.jpg

- The pic would be better if the PM wasn't there though...

The DR1 summary of the speeches starts in a few minutes.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
ANNIE_S said:
Interesting that Joachim, Mary and Marie all bow to the Belgian King and Queen but Frederik doesn't :mellow:
Click to expand...

That was the case also with King Willem-Alexander, i.e. Frederik didn't bow either if I recall it correctly.

Duc_et_Pair said:
I thought Queen Mathilde wore her diadem exceptionelly well. It is excellently placed on a flat hairdo, all diadems have the chance to sparkle. For me Queen Mathilde stood out, because of her gracieuse appearance and dignified attitude.

Too bad that we have not seen Queen Fabiola's aquamarines. They would have gone nicely with the lightblue sash. Maybe next time in Sweden, where the highest Order has a lightblue sash too.
Click to expand...


I agree. The Nine Provinces tiara was particularly sparkly tonight and it stood out in the room.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I agree , Duc .
I saw in life our Ministers (Pieter De Crem) thanking Queen Margarete for the Gala Dinner.
A saw also Queen Mathilde 's Secretary greeting the Royals with her Longchamp bag.
 
Considering the clownesque outfits of some members of parlament during Prinsjesdag, we Dutch are the last ones to throw stones.

A Dutch line-up waiting to be presented to the royals will be even worse than the Belgians. So I hope that will cheer you up Hannelore ;).
 
A 52 minute long video report from BB, starting with guests arriving: SE VIDEO: Kronprinsesse Mary og kronprins Frederik ankom med stil til gallataffel | BILLED-BLADET

The royals begin to arrive at 35:00

Ah, so that's how they solved the problem with not having PH around.

When entering the hall, the majesties always arrive as the last ones, and normally PH escort the spouse, while QMII escort the head of state.
Here all three walked side by side, but even it the door is wide it's not that wide, so King Phillipe and Queen Mathilde let QMII lead by half a step.
An elegant and considerate touch, and not out of place due to QMII's age and seniority - and of course due to the very good relations between the two families.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Marengo said:
Considering the clownesque outfits of some members of parlament during Prinsjesdag, we Dutch are the last ones to throw stones.

A Dutch line-up waiting to be presented to the royals will be even worse than the Belgians. So I hope that will cheer you up Hannelore ;).
Click to expand...

I respectfully disagree. I have seen Premier Rutte, Minister Koenders, Vice-president Donner, Mayor Van der Laan, Commissioner Remkes, and other gentlemen in perfect white tie. Ladies as Senate Speaker Broekers-Knol, Chamber Speaker Arib, Trade Minister Ploumen, Defence Minister Hennis-Plasschaert, etc. in fitting gala dresses.

We have seen the same on the Investiture Banquet in the Rijksmuseum, at the Investiture, at the King's Pageant. The glamorous spouse of the Mayor of Amsterdam even outshined the new Queen. We have seen it at the Government Banquet for the Silver Jubilee, etc. They are definitely better dressed. Geert Wilders wore a jacquet at the Investiture. Filip De Winter would never do that.

The Peesident of China at Laeken. Dresscode white tie. Chamber Speaker Flahaut simply came with the same sweaty suit he wore the whole day: http://static.lexpress.fr/medias_10...t-laeken-royal-palace-in-brussels_5352335.jpg

State Visit of the King of Jordan to Laeken. Dresscode white tie. Chamber Speaker Bracke and Premier Michel have no clue and came in tuxedo with black tie while the Jordanian officials understood the Belgian dresscode: http://www.modekoninginmaxima.nl/si...70_1684589991804634_6205360230509587552_n.jpg

The President of Germany in Laeken. Dresscode white tie. Three footmen, three total different "dresscodes" by the staff at the highest protocollary event of a state: http://media.gettyimages.com/photos...m-gauck-daniela-picture-id612572436?s=594x594

There is a lot to improve at the once so stylish Court in Brussels... Queen Mathilde tried to change things, but suddenly discontent courtiers leaked to media about a "pushy" and "demanding" Queen, used as they were to decades of Albert & Paola and Baudouin & Fabiola who were more on a distance and let it all go a bit.
 
Last edited:
Mr Muhler, Queen Mathilde wanted to give a second kiss , I don't understand normally one is enough.
 
maria-olivia said:
Mr Muhler, Queen Mathilde wanted to give a second kiss , I don't understand normally one is enough.
Click to expand...

A harmless "mistake" in my humble opinion.

Queen Margrethe looks very frail tonight. Has that been going on for quite some time, especially her unsteady walking ?
 
Last edited:
maria-olivia said:
Mr Muhler, Queen Mathilde wanted to give a second kiss , I don't understand normally one is enough.
Click to expand...

I can't say. I'm not familiar with the subtleties of kissing on the cheek. Out here in rural Jutland we still shake hands. :p
But I think Mbruno is right. :)

Mbruno said:
A harmless "mistake" in my humble opinion.

Queen Margrethe looks very frail tonight. Has that been going on for quite some time, especially her unsteady walking ?
Click to expand...

Yes, she's been looking more and more frail lately. But her mind is still sharp though!

The TV-coverage for today is over and it's now up to our very competent resident news-hunters to find photos.
 
Last edited:
 
Last edited by a moderator:
polyesco said:
the speech by Philippe
https://www.monarchie.be/en/agenda/...the-king-of-the-belgians-state-dinner-denmark

group photo of the royals tonight
https://www.instagram.com/p/BSMdh5RjUq-/?taken-by=detdanskekongehus
https://scontent-eze1-1.xx.fbcdn.ne...=f3b4c0eccd8270d6cae14fde197dd7fb&oe=599AD4D1

video of the Queen entering with the Belgium royal couple
https://media.scribblelive.com/2017/3/28/bae0a7a6-0919-4bd4-94e1-cbe9a5d62c9d.mp4
Click to expand...

King Philippe finished his speech inviting the guests to raise their glasses to the health of Queen Margrethe and Prince Henrik, who nonetheless was not present.

The Belgian royal couple seems almost intimidated by all this pump. Cute .
Click to expand...
I agree. Philippe is known to be naturally shy and the Benelux monarchs in general are not used nowadays to that kind of deference to royalty, with all the bowing and curtsying, carriage riding, and so on. That actually showed up also in King Philippe's speech where he referred to "the distinction and splendour" with which he and Queen Mathilde were received as an illustration of the Danish sense of tradition.

PS: Now that I have seen it closer in the video, I noticed how nice Queen Mathilde's new (?) brooch is.
 
Last edited:
polyesco said:
Question for those who know,
Should Joachim have removed his hat once inside?
https://images.scribblelive.com/2017/3/28/862e2974-9b99-4a73-bdf7-97b06c98af35.jpg

Im use to seeing him without it once inside
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/fb/3a/f3/fb3af3b4ec3432b8d580ced74cb1eb8a.jpg

side note, I like this new uniform more then his old one
Click to expand...

You can find an explanation here: http://www.theroyalforums.com/forum...k-march-28-30-2017-a-41857-3.html#post1971803
Courtesy of Christian Eugen Olsen, who is an army-man to the core. ;)

Nico said:
The Belgian royal couple seems almost intimidated by all this pump. Cute .
Click to expand...

It's only their fourth state visit or so, right?
They'll get used to it.

Photos from Jyllands Posten: Foto: Se billederne fra dronningens gallataffel - Foto
 
Last edited by a moderator:
polyesco said:
Question for those who know,
Should Joachim have removed his hat once inside?
https://images.scribblelive.com/2017/3/28/862e2974-9b99-4a73-bdf7-97b06c98af35.jpg

Im use to seeing him without it once inside
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/fb/3a/f3/fb3af3b4ec3432b8d580ced74cb1eb8a.jpg

side note, I like this new uniform more then his old one
Click to expand...

The corridor is a sort of transferium from outside to inside. A detachement of the Queen's Life Guards was presenting arms. As an officer Prince Joachim had to acknowledge this honour. After this he has passed the corridor and then his hat is removed. :)
 
Muhler said:
It's only their fourth state visit or so, right?
They'll get used to it.
Click to expand...

As far as I can recall, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde have had four previous outgoing state visits since Philippe's accession (to Poland, China, Japan, and the Netherlands), and received four incoming state visits (from China, Germany, Jordan, and Turkey). The state visits to Japan and the Netherlands were the only outgoing state visits that included a white tie dinner; all incoming state visits to Belgium included white tie events though, with the exception of the Turkish state visit, which was more like an official visit actually.

However, as I said, I think the point is not so much the white tie setting, which is something Mathilde and Philippe should be quite familiar with, not least because they also attended similar events in foreign state visits to Belgium during King Albert II's reign , when they were still the Duke and Duchess of Brabant. The main issues to me are Queen Margrethe's seniority compared to them, which would make them naturally deferential to the Danish monarch, and the formality of the Danish court (again, the bowing and curtsying etc.), which is something that is no longer common in Belgium and, as a matter of fact, not even in the Netherlands either. At least that is my interpretation.
 
Last edited:
The music is a bit dramatic too, "grand" in an understatement !
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

iceflower
State Visit from Luxembourg to Belgium: April 16- 18, 2024
2
Replies
59
Views
4K
maria-olivia
maria-olivia
iceflower
Belgian State Visit to Germany: December 5 - 7, 2023
Replies
25
Views
2K
iceflower
iceflower
Blog Real
State visit from Portugal to Belgium: October 16th and 20th, 2023
2
Replies
30
Views
3K
iceflower
iceflower
doro
State Visits paid by King Carl XVI Gustaf since 1974
Replies
0
Views
660
doro
doro
Marika86
State Visit from Switzerland to Belgium: November 23-25, 2022
Replies
27
Views
2K
eya
E

Latest posts

Back
Top Bottom